RIVM: sugar tax could affect 42 per cent of sugar consumption
Which products would fall under a future levy depends on the sugar threshold chosen.
Under a broad variant, a sugar tax could affect around 42 per cent of the sugar consumed. With a stricter threshold, the figure would be about one third, according to the RIVM calculation commissioned by the Ministry of Health.
The RIVM examined two variants of a tax on foods containing high levels of sugar. In the first variant, products would be taxed from 6 grams of sugar per 100 grams. This would cover around 42 per cent of the sugar consumed by people in the Netherlands. With a threshold of 20 grams per 100 grams, the calculation puts the figure at around 33 per cent.
The levy has not yet been introduced. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport commissioned the study to assess which products and what share of sugar consumption would be affected. The calculation therefore indicates how much sugar would theoretically fall under a measure, not how much tax consumers would ultimately pay.
The RIVM used data from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2019–2021, in which more than 3,500 people recorded what they ate and drank. The Dutch food composition database NEVO 2025 was also used. The institute warns that eating habits and the range of products in shops may have changed since then. The result is therefore a model calculation based on existing data.
Under both variants, biscuits, cakes and pastries, sweet bread toppings, sweets, chocolate and ice cream would be particularly affected. Some thick dairy drinks and fruit quark could also be affected. Products from the Schijf van Vijf, such as dried fruit, are exempt under the broad variant. The precise product list depends on the final design of the tax.
The RIVM links high sugar intake to health risks such as overweight and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This is a statement at population level, not an individual diagnosis. Policymakers must consider whether a price incentive would genuinely lead consumers to make different choices and whether manufacturers would alter their recipes. Opponents may fear that the levy would mainly affect low-income households.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The RIVM calculated two possible sugar thresholds for a tax.
- According to the model, the broad variant affects 42 per cent of consumed sugars.
- The tax has not yet been definitively introduced.
Left
Arguments The government may adjust the food environment because unhealthy products are widely available and often cheap. A levy could encourage manufacturers to improve recipes and reduce health inequalities.
Values Public health, prevention and social equality.
Consequences Lower sugar consumption could bring health benefits, but the measure should be combined with compensation and affordable healthy alternatives.
Centre
Arguments A levy deserves support only if the threshold is clear, the revenue is spent transparently and its impact is measured independently. Product reformulation and information campaigns should also be part of the package.
Values Effectiveness, proportionality and evidence-based policy.
Consequences Careful design could influence behaviour without major side effects, but the outcome remains uncertain until there is a Dutch evaluation.
Right
Arguments Adults should be able to decide for themselves what they eat. A sugar tax makes groceries more expensive and also penalises people who consume products responsibly.
Values Personal responsibility, freedom of choice and low burdens.
Consequences The measure could have a regressive impact and burden the food industry; supporters of this approach see more merit in information and voluntary agreements.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The percentages, data sources and product categories come directly from the RIVM study. The text clearly distinguishes between a model calculation and implemented policy.
- confirmed The broad variant would affect around 42 per cent of the sugar consumed. — This is the RIVM's main finding. source
- confirmed The calculation uses the 2019–2021 food consumption survey and NEVO 2025. — These sources are mentioned in the RIVM report. source
- confirmed A sugar tax has not yet been introduced. — The RIVM describes the tax as a measure being considered by the government. source
Editor's note
The percentages are model results from the 2019–2021 food consumption survey. The government has not yet established a final product list or tax design.Sources
More on this in Dutch media
- AD — „suikerbelasting rivm”
- de Volkskrant — „suikerbelasting rivm”
- RTL Nieuws — „suikerbelasting rivm”